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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-04 Correspondence)" A, crry oF ,~ crry UNESCO CrrYOF TURE CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: October 21, 2014 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Council correspondence - 1-o - T- 3f(1) The attached email was sent to a majority of Council Members from Harry Olmstead and is being accepted at this time. Marian Karr From: Simon Andrew Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 1:19 PM To: Marian Karr Cc: Tom Markus Subject: FW: 2014's Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities I WalletHub® From: Harry03 [mailto:Harry03 @aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 8:44 AM To: Jeffery L Ford; Jim Throgmorton; Kingsley Botchway; Orville Townsend, Sr.; Mary Roberts; Leonard' 'Sandler; Uptown Bill's; David Leshtz; Terry Dickens; Simon Andrew; Josh O'Leary; Rick Dobyns 2; Larry Kudej; Michael Hoenig; Terry Cunningham Subject: 2014's Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities I WalletHub® http: / /wallethub.com /edu/best- worst - cities - for - people- with - disabilities /7164/ Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone 1 '= A CITY OF IOWA CITY oFtowAe� MEMORANDUM UP*SW C" "Lffmrm Date: October 24, 2014 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Council correspondence The attached email was sent to a majority of the Council Members from Barb Stein and is being accepted at this time. I 1 4 3f(2) Marian Karr From: Simon Andrew Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2014 9:18 AM To: Marian Karr Cc: Tom Markus Subject: FW: UI partners with developer to rebuild art museum downtown Another article sent to 4 Councilors. From: Harry03 [mailto:Harry03 @aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 7:52 PM To: Kingsley Botchway; Jim Throgmorton; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns 2 Cc: Simon Andrew Subject: Fwd: UI partners with developer to rebuild art museum downtown Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -- - - - - -- Original message -- - - - - -- From: Barb Stein Date: 10/22/2014 7:35 PM (GMT- 06:00) To: Harry Olmstead ,Cameron Vanni , "Bildstein, Carol" ,Chris Kolarik ,Jan Harvey ,Lisa McDonough ,Pam Kautz Subject: Fwd: UI partners with developer to rebuild art museum downtown http : / /www.press - citizen. coml stoglnews leducationluniversity- of -iowal 2014/ 10/22lui- partners- developer- rebuild- art- museum - downtown/ 1773 2129/ UI partners with developer to rebuild art museum downtown 78 The new University of Iowa Museum of Art will be built on a prime corner in downtown Iowa City through a public - private partnership with H +H Development Group and Mortenson Inc., UI announced Wednesday. The museum will be constructed at the southeast corner of Burlington and Clinton streets, a site known as Hieronymus Square that has sat empty for years. Various large -scale projects for the site have been put forth over the years, but each were ultimately abandoned. "This is an open lot that is primed for redevelopment by the local landowner, and sits directly east of the current school of music project," said Rod Lehnertz, UI director of planning, design and construction. Sean O'Harrow, director of the UI Museum of Art, also praised the future museum's location, citing its nearby highway access, ample parking and public exposure. The location is across the street from the future Voxman Music Building, which is under construction and expected to open in 2016. "It's one of the few locations that's accessible to both students and the public," O'Harrow said. "There are a lot of locations that can be accessible to students but not the public and vice versa." The project will be headed by Iowa City -based H +H Development Group, which includes Hodge Construction and the Hieronymus family, and be constructed in partnership with Mortenson Inc. of Minneapolis. Mortenson Construction is currently building the new Hancher Auditorium and School of Music. Kevin Digmann, who is leading the development team, said in addition to the museum, the project will include commercial and residential components. Digmann said the design process has yet to begin, however, and it's too early to discuss the scale of the building and the specifics. "I think it's probably the best site in town," Digmann said. "They have the new School of Music going in across the street, so we felt it lends itself as a natural location. I think everybody is excited to finally have this location pinned down so they can start moving forward." Extensive flooding on the UI campus in 2008 resulted in an estimated $629 million in damage, including damage to the original Art Museum located on Riverside Drive. The museum's lower level mechanical and electrical systems were damaged, resulting in about $4 million in damage. People climb on top of a building on campus in June 2008 to look out across the Iowa River at the flooded University of Iowa Museum of Art. (Photo: Des Moines Register file photo ) In 2010, FEMA officials determined that the level of damage did not meet the minimum threshold to qualify for replacement funding; in order to receive FEMA funding, the cost to repair a building following a disaster must exceed 50 percent of the cost of replacing the facility. Despite a lack of structural damage to the museum, university representatives argued that no credible insurance company would insure roughly $500 million worth of art stored or displayed there. FEMA to date has paid the university more than $207 million in building recovery funds, but repeatedly denied the university funding for a replacement art museum, most recently in March 2013. In spring 2014, university staff issued requests for proposals to developers and landowners to begin reviewing possible sites and layout options for the museum. As university staff continue planning for the replacement art museum, many of the museum's roughly 14,000 pieces have been shown at temporary locations including the University of Iowa Memorial Union and the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, where O'Harrow previously worked as director. There is no time line yet for breaking ground at the site, but University of Iowa Provost P. Barry Butler said staff are positioned to enter a months -long negotiation period to determine detailed cost projections, select a design team, choose design schematics, establish a lease agreement and more. "That will be brought back to the board when it's ready," Butler said. The former University of Iowa Art Museum is seen on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press- Citizen(Photo: David Scrivner / Iowa City Press - Citizen) Hieronymus Square had initially been tapped to be a part of the School of Music replacement project, with original plans calling for a portion of the music facility to be housed in a private tower connected to the music building across the street via a skywalk. But the Hieronymus portion was abandoned because the public - private partnership would have complicated the process of securing FEMA funding, UI officials said in 2012. Before that, Hodge and Hieronymus family had planned to build a 13 -story commercial and residential tower last decade. But those plans eventually fizzled out even after being approved by the Iowa City Council for financial support in 2006. Currently, Hodge and Hieronymus group is also in the planning stages for a new hotel that would be built on a lot to the south of the museum site on Clinton Street. First announced in 2012, the hotel is slated to be 10 stories tall with 150 rooms, Digmann said, though that project is still in the negotiation phase. Nancy Bird, director of the Iowa City Downtown District, said the new art museum will be a boon for downtown. "When you have that many people coming to it, it's going to support all of the other area businesses," Bird said. "It'll be a major draw, and it has an amazing collection — it will be good to get that back home. With any kind of new development, you can expect it be state -of -art. We look forward to seeing the future designs as they unfold." Reach Chase Castle at ccastle(2press- citizen.com or 887 -5412. 11-04-14 3f(3) Marian Karr From: connie cuttell <conniecuttell @gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 4:31 PM To: Geoff Fruin Cc: Council; Jann Ream Subject: Re: Chop House patio Hi Geoff, Thanks for your reply. You didn't specifically address their sidewalk sign that takes up another 2 feet. Is it in compliance as well? After I sent the council the email regarding the Chop House, I took a walk up and down Washington Street and found that I was dodging outdoor dining, bike racks and parking benches most of the way up and down. I know the hardscape of the downtown area is set for redesign. I hope that the new configuration takes a free flow of pedestrian traffic in consideration. The outdoor dining is charming and welcome but I think it's gone a little too far. The public sidewalks are for the public, not a source for added revenue for the restaurants and the city. I will look forward to seeing the proposals tomorrow evening at the Sheraton. Thanks again, Connie Goeb Marian Karr From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 2:44 PM To: 'conniecuttell @gmail.com' Cc: Council Subject: RE: Chop House patio Ms. Cuttell, Thank you for your email regarding the Chop House outdoor patio. The City has a standard eight -foot pedestrian walkway requirement that businesses with outdoor patios must maintain. The Chop House has met this minimum requirement with their new cafe. The eight foot standard is also what you experience with the other cafes on the block (i.e. Java House and Quinton's), as well as throughout the downtown area. That requirement has been in effect for several years and is not something that has recently changed. As we consider changes to the design of Washington Street we hope to find a solution that will allow for a more uniform pedestrian pathway throughout the block. In the meantime, we appreciate your feedback regarding the cafe. Please feel free to call or email with any questions. Best, Geoff Fruin Assistant City Manager I City of Iowa City P: 319.356.5013 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: connie cuttell [ mailto:conniecuttell @ gmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 24, 2014 2:53 PM To: Council Cc: Jann Ream Subject: Chop House patio Dear Council Members, I have corresponded with Jann Ream regarding my concern with the amount of public sidewalk space that is taken up with the Chop House patio. It was suggested that I convey those concerns directly with the council. I am downtown frequently and was taken aback when I first saw the patio at the Chop House. I thought it had to be a misunderstanding between the city and the restaurant owner and that the owner exceeded his allotted space for outdoor dining. The patio takes up so much of the sidewalk that it's just barely comfortable for 2 pedestrians to walk side by side or in meeting. In rainy weather, it's very difficult for 2 pedestrians with umbrellas to walk through the narrow space between the enclosure and the facade of the building. To make matters worse, the restaurant puts out a sandwich board outside the enclosure that gobbles up even more of the sidewalk and is a tripping hazard. (Jan told me that the owner voluntarily removed the sandwich board when asked about it, but I have seen it back in its original spot when I've walked by since) 1 I am a patron and regular volunteer at the Englert Theatre and the Chop House outdoor dining area severely cuts into the space for gatherings before and after the shows and during intermission. In addition to being a hazard, I don't think they are being a good neighbor. I don't begrudge the Chop House an outdoor dining alternative. I just believe it should not impede pedestrian traffic as it does now. Washington Street is a major pedestrian walkway. Pedestrians comfort and safety should take precedence over the Chop House business or the city getting a little more revenue from leasing the public sidewalk. Please consider revising the agreement with the Chop House for next year's outdoor dining season. The current arrangement is not in the best interest of the walking public. Thank you. Connie Goeb 145 Oakridge Ave. Iowa City, IA 52246 310 - 938 -0395 This correspondence will become a public record. 3f(4) Marian Karr From: kubby@avalon.net Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 4:04 PM To: Council Subject: St. Patrick lot City Council, It is so exciting to see the first non - University large re- development taking shape south of Burlington St. This first project will set the standard for others that are not a public - private partnership. There are two things on my mind as you proceed in this process. The first is that if it is possible to get the density, mix of use, and kind of residential units you are looking for without public assistance, that should be a priority. If there is a substantial financial assistance plan with this development, every single one that comes after will be asking for similar assistance. Why not pave the way for these developments to stand on their own? Second, the design of the building is of the upmost importance. There are three levels of design I ask you to evaluate. The first is the aesthetic appeal. Again, this is that first big private project and if it doesn't look good, there will not be public support to continue with this kind of density. The second design consideration is energy efficiency. The materials with which the building is constructed and the energy efficient qualities can make a huge difference in the carbon footprint of a new building, as well as monthly expenses. And the final design consideration is the experience we have with this building from the streetscape. I want this building to feel inviting and welcoming from the perspective of a pedestrian. As we act smartly in re- developing our core city with higher density, the decisions you make today will have generational effects. Please help guide these re- developments to be functional, visionary, energy efficient, pedestrian friendly, pretty, and without public assistance. In Peace, Karen Kubby Marian Karr From: Hauserman, Nancy R <nancy- hauserman @uiowa.edu> Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 1:18 PM To: Council Subject: Serious Need for Senior Housing DOWNTOWN To the Council: I am writing to urge you to consider proposals which focus on providing housing for seniors when you move forward on the property at the SW corner of Court and S. Linn Streets. I have been a resident of Iowa City for more than 40 years. I have loved living here - my job was here, my friends are here, my health care and general "life" providers (i.e. bankers, accounts and so on) are here. It has been and is a fantastic place to live; it offers almost everything I might want in a place to life and in which I might retire. Iowa City offers a lovely, vibrant, intellectual and stimulating environment. But here's what it doesn't offer: it doesn't offer a reasonable choice of places to live when we retire that allow us to be or easily walk downtown and in which we can live comfortably (i.e. residence on one floor (requiring no steps), provision of services (e.g., no building or land maintenance by residents and possibly access to other services, e.g., health related services). Of course I am aware that we have several good retirement communities in Iowa City, e.g., OakKnoll, Melrose Meadows, Legacy). I am not talking necessarily about a community that offers a full range of retirement options, e.g.,a nursing wing. Instead I am talking about a place where retirees can live and easily enjoy the range of activities and opportunities provided by easy, walking access to downtown to Iowa City. The space at Court and Linn Streets would be a perfect place to build apartments or condominiums for retired adults. It would let us live downtown and easily participate in activities, shop, use the libraries, walk to the University and so on. And it would add to the diversity of downtown life in Iowa City -- a diversity sorely lacking in age representation!! As you all continue to consider all that the downtown is or can be or should be, please consider adding some apartments or condos specifically for retired people. Trust me, there are plenty of us -- there would be no lack of takers for what might be offered and in return downtown Iowa City will have all that we have to offer and that's alot of talent, energy and spending power. Sincerely Nancy Hauserman 729 N. Linn Iowa City, Iowa 52245 (319)354 -9692 _� (s, Marian Karr From: David Rust <headwave @aol.com> Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2014 11:31 AM To: Council Subject: downtown development and senior housing -Court and S Linn To the Council: We urge you to prioritize downtown housing for seniors as you reconsider the proposals for the Court - 5 Linn property and as you plan for future development South of Burlington. We have lived near downtown for thirty years because it puts us near good entertainment, dining and the businesses we frequent. We walk, we use the bus, we drive. We don't plan to alter our life style now that our birthdates place us squarely in the oldster cohort. Today downtown does not offer mid -price range condos or apartments that are designed to be accessible for seniors and include /promote access to services seniors need and want. There are many older adults who would like living downtown; there are many seniors who retire here from all over the country because of what our city offers. We think the city is missing the boat. More centrally located senior friendly housing will significantly increase the amount of spending power and the vitality in the downtown area. We urge you to adjust your perspective and invite development that residentially integrates seniors into the center of our city. Joy Smith & David Rust 915 Bloomington Street Iowa City Marian Karr From: Feiss, Michael <michael -feiss @uiowa.edu> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 9:59 AM To: Council Subject: Senior housing 3 Nov 2014 Dear City Councilor: This letter is about the Council's consideration of construction proposals for the Court -Linn project. By way of background, my family has been a resident of the Northside Neighborhood for 28 years, where we have raised 4 kids. At the time of purchasing a house that would contain a family of 6, there were just a few houses available in Iowa City and Coralville, and without considering many of the factors that have contributed to what, it turns out, to have been a very good choice, we chose our Northside house. Over time, we've learned to appreciate the amazing assets that Iowa City provides to residents for education, entertainment, and many kinds of involvement in a highly diverse community. One of the major factors in developing this appreciation has been proximity to downtown. We've been able to walk to work, restaurants, theaters, lectures, coffeehouses, etc. We've also become member of a multigenerational neighborhood community that is interactive and supportive. Having passed the age of 70, the time is approaching for us to downsize to a smaller dwelling and pass our house on to a family that needs the space that we no longer need. With a group of neighbors, we have spent a year investigating moderately priced, senior housing options within walking distance to downtown. We've been frustrated by the lack of such options. It has become clear that the options are limited. Much of the new housing targets students or the very wealthy. I urge you, as you consider bids for housing construction, to make construction project choices that will insure that the residents of near - central Iowa City are a diverse population including seniors. Thanks you for your attention. Sincerely, Mike Feiss Northside Neighborhood Resident. Notice: This UI Health Care e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510 -2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. Thank you. 3 1(s Marian Karr From: Susan Shullaw <susan @susanshullaw.com> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 10:59 AM To: Council Subject: St. Pat's & senior housing To the Council: As I was preparing to send a message in support of CG Hanson's Linn/Court Lofts project for the former St. Patrick's Parish Hall site prior to your Nov. 6 work session, yesterday's Gazette caught my eye. The paper is beginning a month -long series called "Aging in Iowa," with a special focus on senior housing set for the Nov. 23 edition. I would be thrilled if that particular edition of the Gazette were to include a story about Iowa City's innovative and forward - thinking approach to providing senior - suitable housing in or adjacent to downtown and to the University of Iowa campus. Unfortunately, and to my knowledge, such a strategy doesn't exist. With the ongoing addition of large student- housing projects near its central business district, Iowa City seems in danger of missing an enormous and obvious opportunity not only to serve active seniors — a growing segment of the population — but to attract new citizens, investors, and acclaim to our signature downtown. Whether or not the Linn/Court Lofts proposal is best for this particular site when it comes to meeting the demand for senior - suitable housing downtown (and that proposal contains substantial data about the attractiveness of campus - adjacent senior housing), I feel the need to ask: If not now, when? And if not here, where? I've owned a home on Iowa City's historic and multi - generational Northside for 25 years, where one of my daily joys is being able to walk to downtown amenities. Now in my early 60s, I can foresee the need for future downsizing. When the time comes to move elsewhere, it's distressing to imagine that my only local prospects for senior living — and shopping and dining and enjoying cultural events — will be in Coralville or elsewhere far distant from downtown. Regardless of your decision on the St. Pat's property, I urge the Council to act quickly, and perhaps in collaboration with the UI, to encourage and facilitate the development of senior - suitable housing in or adjacent to downtown Iowa City. Thank you for your consideration. Susan Shullaw 718 North Johnson Street Iowa City, IA 52245 319 - 351 -2606 susangsusanshullaw.com Marian Karr From: Cole, Catherine A <cathy -cole @uiowa.edu> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 11:39 AM To: Council Subject: senior friendly housing Hello, My husband and I live at 603 Brown Street in Iowa city. We are reaching the age when we would like to downsize and live closer to downtown. We fully support the idea of developing alternatives to student housing in downtown Iowa City (affordable housing for all). Moving forward, I think the city should give serious consideration to the construction proposal that includes affordable senior housing at the Court-Linn location. Thank you. Cathy Cole